Dynamic Variation:

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

Where to go with the family in tow

With more than 13,000 restaurants to choose from in the Houston area, it can be daunting trying to find a spot that's kid-tested and parent-approved. While plenty of well-known, national chains dot the city's landscape-Chili's, Rainforest Café, and iHop, among others, are just as many uniquely Houston options that are certain to please. Check out the local spots that score big in H-Town.

Patio Dining

Canyon Creek

6603 Westcott St.

Head there for a relaxed evening or a post-workout recharge and enjoy a well-edited menu of savory burgers, soups, sandwiches and salads. Canyon Creek is open daily for lunch and dinner.

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Cactus Cove

Tucked between Timbergrove, The Heights, and Hempstead Highway, Cactus Cove is a laid-back neighborhood bar and grill where locals go to unwind. Whether you're catching the game…

Hobbit Cafe

Open for brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks, Hobbit Café, located in upper Kirby, is a cozy eatery and hangout with a great energy. Meat eaters, vegetarians and beer lovers…

Little Bitty Burger Barn

For over 15 years, Little Bitty Burger Barn has been Houston’s go-to spot for burgers that pack a flavorful punch. Celebrated by Food Network, ABC News, Fox News, and Houstonian…

Onion Creek

Laid-back, come-as-you-are charm finds a home at the Heights' Onion Creek. Part restaurant, part bar and coffeehouse, Onion Creek has remained a popular hangout for locals and…

Picky Eaters

Barnaby's Cafe - Downtown

801 Congress Ave.

Not as diverse as the original Fairview location, the roomier River Oaks-set Barnaby's Cafe bustles with people from all walks of life. There's a bit of West Coast influence on the menu —Chicken La Jolla and Petaluma salad, for example-and a coloring placemat menu for the little ones, advertising mac & cheese and corn dog offerings. Pups of all shapes and sizes are welcome on the dog-friendly patio, too, making visits to Barnaby's a true family affair.

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Mia's Table - Upper Kirby

Mia's Table takes family-friendly to a new level with ample green space for kids to run, plenty of favorite menu items and of course, free ice cream. This southern comfort food…

Soto's Cantina

Soto’s Cantina is family-owned and dishes out authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine from two vibrant locations. Renowned for its fresh, made-to-order dishes crafted from cherished…

Fun or Fancy

Betsy’s at Evelyn’s Park

4400 Bellaire Blvd.

Inside the beautiful yellow house at the southwest corner of Evely’s Park in Bellaire, Betsy’s serves breakfast and casual lunches and snacks perfect for a picnic at the park.

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Brennan's of Houston

Brennan’s of Houston, called by many “the crown jewel of Texas Creole cuisine and Southern hospitality”, has been Bayou City’s eminent Creole dining destination since 1967, when it…

Little Matt's

Little Matt’s is a kid-friendly American food joint in West University puts a big heart behind their menu and family-centric atmosphere. With an array of burgers, salads, chicken…

Rainforest Café - Katy

While waiting for a table, hungry diners prowl the retail village, where cash-register ka-chings compete with chirping birds, roaring lions and chest-thumping gorillas. When the…

The '401

Located in the heart of Bellaire, The '401 Table and Tap combines craveable comfort food, delicious cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. With a stylish mix…

The Rustic Post Oak

From country musician Pat Green and restaurateurs Kyle Noonan and Josh Sepkowitz, The Rustic - Post Oak unveiled a location in Uptown. The restaurant features an indoor dining room…

Sweet Retreats

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Grab a spoon for a taste of a delectable treat on historic 19th Street in the Heights at Jeni’s, an ice cream shop serving scoops…

Winfield's Chocolate Bar - Rice Village

West U denizens know that there are sweet things happening within the walls of Winfield´s Chocolate Bar. At its Rice Village…

Flower & Cream - Regent Square

Regent Square got a little sweeter when Flower & Cream opened in 2023. Destined for Instagram sensationalism, Flower…

Red Circle Ice Cream

If aiming for a dessert that hits the sweet spot, Red Circle Ice Cream in Chinatown is a bulls-eye, delivering handcrafted scoops…

Kids Eat Free

Sunday - Freebirds: one kid meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. View details.
Monday - Buff Burgers: one kid meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. View details.
Tuesday - Dish Society: kids under 12 get a free kids’ plate by purchasing an adult entrée, sandwich, or salad. View details.
Wednesday (5 pm - 8 pm) - Feges BBQ: kids 12 and under eat free. Kids Menu comes with a choice of one side and a cookie. View details.
Wednesday (4 pm to close) - Barnaby’s: Free kid's meal for each adult meal purchase ≥ $14. View details.
Thursday - Mendocino farms: one kid meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. View details.